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Washington, DC -- In preparation for Hurricane Gustav, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced today it has established a toll-free assistance hotline number (1-800-307-8298) for current and retired Federal employees and annuitants who may be impacted by the hurricane in the Gulf Coast area.

The toll-free number, which is activated today, enables callers to leave their numbers for a call back within 4 hours. If the need arises, live operators will be on call to provide immediate assistance.

OPM Acting Director Mike Hager stated, "Given the likely magnitude of Hurricane Gustav, OPM stands ready to offer assistance for Federal employees, annuitants and their families in the impacted Gulf Coast area. We are informing media markets in the Gulf Coast region of the toll-free numbers and asking agencies to notify their employees in the region about the assistance available."

Federal employees with access to the internet can receive updated and important information on benefits, flexibilities and payroll at www.opm.gov/hurricane/index.asp.

The site provides links to assist in contacting local Federal Executive Boards, other resources and announcements, and is continually updated with news and information.

On Friday, OPM Acting Director Mike Hager sent a memorandum to heads of executive departments and agencies regarding the various human resources flexibilities available to assist Federal agencies and employees affected by emergency situations. Topics include pay and leave benefits, employee and family support benefits, telework, emergency critical hiring and other flexibilities. The memo can be found at www.chcoc.gov/Transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalId=1500

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Our mission is to Recruit, Retain and Honor a World-Class Workforce to Serve the American People. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.